GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN

 
Unit Weighting                       
9 cps
Type of Unit                
Specialised
Prerequisites                
B8570A
Academic Staff            
Dr Margaret Beirne, RSC, BA (UNE 1973) MA (Weston 1978) BD (MCD 1984), MEd (UNSW 1986) DTheol (MCD 2000), Senior Lecturer
Curriculum Objectives
This course unit builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in the pre-requisite units. It examines the historical context, literary forms and theological content of the Gospel according to John, their application to Christian worship, teaching and spirituality.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. describe the historical, cultural and religious background of the Johannine community
2. identify the principal literary forms in the Fourth Gospel and show how they communicate their theological content
3. exegete selected passages from the Fourth Gospel
4. access and use significant secondary literature for the critical study of the Fourth Gospel
5. apply insights gained from the Johannine Gospel to contemporary Christian worship, teaching and spirituality

Content

1. Introduction: issues of authorship, date, relationship of the Gospel with the Synoptics
2. History and religious perspective of the Johannine community
3. Distinctive literary style, imagery and narrative features of the Fourth Gospel
4. Key theological themes of the Fourth Gospel
5. Exegesis of selected passages from the Fourth Gospel
6. Brief introduction to the Book of Revelation

Assessment Profile

1. A critical book review that might be linked to class or online discussion
2. A formal exegetical essay on a selected passage from the Fourth Gospel
3. A thematic essay on either a key theological theme or critical issue related to the Fourth Gospel.

Schedule

Via distance education